NRG signs on as a founding partner of the 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara

The 49ers have signed NRG Energy as a founding partner of their new $1.2B stadium under construction in Santa Clara, set to open in '14. The terms were not immediately disclosed, but typically, founding partner agreements at the major-league level are multiyear deals valued at seven figures annually. As the NFL team’s exclusive sustainable energy provider, NRG will install three solar array-covered bridges, a solar canopy above the green roof on the stadium’s suite tower and solar panels over the 49ers training center. The arrays will have a total peak capacity of about 400 kilowatts, providing enough power over the course of a year to offset energy consumed at the stadium during 49ers home games, according to team officials.

The partnership also will help the new facility’s goal of becoming the first newly-constructed NFL stadium to be LEED-certified. NRG Energy is the 49ers’ fifth founding partner, joining Brocade, SAP, Sony and Violin Memory. NRG also has solar deals with the Cowboys, Eagles, Patriots, Redskins and Jets/Giants at their stadiums.